The British East India Company strategically exploited the socio-political instability in India during the 18th century to gain dominance, particularly in Bengal, a prosperous region under Nawabs like Siraj-ud-Daulah. The Company’s shrewd policies and manipulative tactics ensured they tightened their control over Bengal, effectively putting the "noose" around the Nawab's neck.
 |
| Aliwardi Khan,Nawob of Bengal),India. indianetzone.com |
The dastak (free trade pass) granted under the 1717 firman by Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar allowed the Company to trade without paying taxes. The British misused this privilege, extending it to private traders, thereby causing significant revenue losses for the Nawab’s administration. They fortified their establishments like Fort William in Calcutta without the Nawab’s permission, directly challenging his authority.
 |
| Map of early Bengal leics.gov.uk |
The British disrespected the Nawab’s sovereignty by interfering in administrative matters and evading taxes. Their arrogance and refusal to heed Siraj-ud-Daulah's warnings led to rising tensions. In June 1756, Siraj-ud-Daulah retaliated by capturing the Company’s factory at Kasim Bazaar and then seizing Calcutta. The controversial Black Hole of Calcutta incident, in which several British prisoners reportedly died in confinement, became a powerful propaganda tool for the Company, justifying their aggressive stance.
The British deployed Robert Clive, who capitalized on divisions within Siraj-ud-Daulah's court. They bribed key officials like Mir Jafar, promising him the Nawabship in return for betraying Siraj. At the Battle of Plassey (1757), this betrayal ensured the British victory. Despite having a significantly smaller force, the Company defeated the Nawab’s army, marking a turning point in Indian history.
After Plassey, the British gained control of Bengal's resources. The Company imposed harsh financial terms, draining wealth through unjust taxation and monopoly trade practices. The Battle of Buxar (1764) further consolidated British dominance, granting them diwani (revenue collection rights) over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. The decline of the Mughal Empire and ongoing internal conflicts among Indian rulers created a vacuum of power. The British skillfully exploited these divisions, aligning with opportunistic allies to secure their position.
The British strategy in Bengal was marked by deceit, economic exploitation, and military manipulation. Siraj-ud-Daulah, despite his resistance, was outmaneuvered by the Company's calculated actions and the betrayal of his own officials. The battles of Plassey(June 1757) and Buxar (October 1764) sealed the fate of Bengal, making it the cornerstone of British colonial expansion in India.
https://www.navrangindia.in/2014/11/how-did-wily-british-put-noose-around.html
.jpg)
.jpg)
